•Rabiu Kwankwaso and Goodluck Jonathan
A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party and Convener, Goodluck Nigeria, Emma Umerah, has expressed deep conviction that it is only Jonathan and Kwankwaso ticket in 2027 Presidential Election that would upstage the incumbent president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umerah made the statement in a chat with journalists in Lagos, yesterday, Monday, March 9, 2026.
He added that Jonathan would do one term and redirect the nation on the part of political, economic and social growth and development which he said is currently lacking in Nigeria, reports Daily Independent.
Umerah, a former National member, Atiku Campaign Council, maintained that Goodluck Jonathan is a gentleman to the core, a man that keeps agreement.
He said, “As a gentleman, during the 2015 election, he accepted defeat and congratulated Buhari. If he is not a gentleman he would not have accepted defeat and the country would be in turmoil, but he allowed peace to reign because he does not want trouble in Nigeria.”
Umerah revealed that as much as the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is an experienced politician from the northern part of Nigeria with large following, he would bring the number and his presence would also assuage the yearning of the North to dislodge the incumbent president.
He stated that while piloting the affairs of the country as president, Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015) was characterised by transformations.
“He transformed Nigeria into Africa’s largest economy (2014) through GDP rebasing, and ensured significant infrastructure development (rail, airports, roads), and strengthening democratic institutions, notably through electoral reforms,” he said.
Umerah further said that Jonathan’s administration implemented various fiscal reforms, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
He disclosed further, “In Infrastructure Development, his administration invested in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power generation. Jonathan’s administration launched initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and food security. His leadership style believed so much in Consensus-Building. Jonathan is known for his ability to build consensus and negotiate with different stakeholders, his leadership style emphasized inclusiveness and dialogue and Jonathan has a reputation for seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.”
“He also articulated some of what he believed was achievements of Jonathan while in office, which included creating 12 federal universities and boosting local content in the oil sector, he implemented policies that encouraged agricultural investment and reduced food imports, boosting local production.
With regards to Local Content Law, he signed the Nigerian Content Act (2010), empowering indigenous companies in the oil and gas sector.
“Also his administration revamped the national railway system, including the rehabilitation of lines and the introduction of new routes like the Abuja-Kaduna line.
“In Aviation Upgrade, he Remodeled all 22 federal airports and installed modern navigation equipment. While in Road Construction, he invested in key roads, including the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Benin expressway and the initiation of the Second Niger Bridge project.
“Goodluck ensured Democratic Reforms & Governance which enhanced Electoral Integrity, he Strengthened the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), resulting in more credible elections. Goodluck Jonathan was widely praised for conceding the 2015 presidential election, which bolstered democratic stability in Nigeria.
“On Freedom of Expression, he encouraged and Maintained a largely free press with minimal government interference, marking a departure from previous eras.
“Aside the establishment of 12 new federal universities to increase access to tertiary education, he also initiated solid Almajiri Education Programme, he built over 160 special schools to integrate modern education into Islamic learning systems in the North.
“Also on Women Empowerment, he appointed women to significant positions, including the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria and the first female President of the Court of Appeal.
“In Health & Technology his response to Ebola crisis was swift, he led an effective, internationally recognized response to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014.”
